Warburton was sacked by Forest on New Year's Eve - less than eight months after he kept them in the Championship on the season's final day.

But the 55-year-old could be poised for a return with Bradford, who parted company with Simon Grayson last week.

Warburton began the week far adrift of the leading bookies contenders, but soon emerged as the 3/1 front runner before seeing his odds shortened further - creating daylight between himself and another former Nottingham Forest manager, Steve Cotterill (3/1).

A former City trader, Warburton's managerial CV contains two promotions - including one out of League One with Brentford.

The Londoner subsequently led the Bees to the Championship play-offs before a mixed spell at Rangers.